Animals and Fertilized Embryo Transfer essays

Animals and Fertilized Embryo Transfer essays Embryo transfer is the process of taking fertilized embryos from one animal and inserting them into another. This is very useful today in cattle because now it is economically feasible and it allows the producer a greater number of offspring from one cow with desirable traits. The process normally starts by artificially inseminating the cow. Exactly seven days later, the uterus is flushed, and the embryos and ova. Next, the embryos will be isolated. The embryos are then inserted into the recipient cow. Artificially inseminating the cow is the preferred way to fertilize the eggs in the donor cow. The cow should be inseminated at least three times at intervals of twelve hours, to insure fertilization. In preparation for AI, a shot of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) should be given to the cow to super-ovulate her. This causes more eggs to drop from the ovaries, allowing more embryos. Seven days after the cow is inseminated the third time, her uterus should be flushed. Before flushing the cow, her posterior should be cleaned up as much as possible. After this is complete, an instrument known as the "introducer" is inserted into the vagina. The instrument is much like a long syringe with a plunger going through the center. The vet then will push his hand through the anus and guide the introducer along the cervix. The instrument is pushed through the cervix and into the uterus. Once it reaches the uterus, the plunger is pulled out, and a catheter is inserted into the uterus, against the uterine horn, through the center of the introducer. The "cuff," a small balloon type object, is inflated in the cow's uterus, and a sodium based phosphate is released for lubrication. It is then pumped back through the introducer, and filtered by an embryo filter. The liquid caught by the filter is then examined to determine the number of good embryos. At this stage, the sex can even be determined. They are graded, then placed in straws or frozen for l...

Story Structure 3 Main Templates for Structuring an Unforgettable Story

Story Structure 3 Main Templates for Structuring an Unforgettable Story Story Structure: 3 Main Templates for Structuring an Unforgettable Story Your story structure does matter.Not only was Rome not built in a day, but it also wasn’t built without a plan. London was built without a plan.Hit some Google maps and look at an aerial view of both cities. You will see the difference.And your readers will definitely see the difference if your book doesnt have a cohesive structureand they will not be back for more.The three main types of story structure well cover are:3 Act StructureHeros JourneyThe 5 MilestonesNOTE: If you want a coach to help you plan out your story structure, check out our VIP Fiction Self-Publishing Program for that, and so much more. Learn more about it hereWhat is story structure?There are a few main types of story structure but overall, the structure of your story is how the events are laid out with an emphasis on using each part to further the story in an intriguing and cohesive structure.Structure, suffice it to say, is important. The structure makes all the difference in creating a narrative that is poignant and satisfying. More importantly, structure helps you, as the writer, keep track of all the events so that characters and story elements don’t fall through the cracks.Keeping track of story elements makes writing a lot easier. Like following a recipe, it keeps you from leaving out important bits or putting in too much of others. Even simple stories contain numerous smaller nuances that, when forgotten, lead to disaster.Watch any B movie from the 80s and you can see places where the editor, the script, and the director all lost the plotdont allow that when writing a novel yourself.Furthermore, readers expect certain structures within story. They have an emotional attachment to certain pacing. They start to feel anxious if an element they are expecting hasn’t yet occurred, or never occurs.Depending on the book genre, manipulating these expectations is a part of the style.If you want to keep track of all of this, weve put together all three of these methods into story structure templates for you.To gain access to all three, fill out the form below: Why focus on the structure of a story?Much like the streets of Rome, you want your story to get somewhere.You might enjoy meandering through London’s sprawling game trails turned roadways, but you want to get somewhere eventually.That is why a story structure serves as a map to guide you, the characters, and the reader to an eventual, and hopefully rewarding, destination. Some of the most famous stories out there have a very specific, replicable story structure that has served them well.Thats why we always recommend outlining your book using these methods for planning your novel. Story Structure: 3 Templates for Getting it RightNow that we’ve stressed the need for a story structure its time to learn about your options. Story structures don’t have to be confining, rigid, things.They work best when used as signposts and tentpoles, holding up the scaffolding and guiding you on your way. Note that a story structure is somewhat different than a story shape. The shape is more about the feel and thrust of a story over its arrangement.Story Structure #1 The 3 Act PlayThe most basic of story structures, very popular in Hollywood style films, is the 3 Act Play.Many world-famous novels use this structure, including:Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa TahirTwilight by Stephenie MeyerThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThis structure relies on a total of five elements which includes the acts themselves, composed of various scenes, and two key transitions, referred to as pinches here.Here is the three-act structure broken down:Act 1: Setup Were introduced to the main players as well as the main conflict. We understand the voice, tone, and direction of the story.Pinch 1 This is when the initial conflict arises (sometimes known as the inciting incident).Act 2: Confrontation Were in the thick of the main conflict here, along with some secondary conflicts. Were faced with difficult (seemingly impossible) odds to overcome.Pinch 2 The conflicts addressed in Act 2 come to a head, and decisions need to be made. This is often the moment where all hope is lost for your protagonist.Act 3: Resolution Everything boils down to this act. All of the conflict, subplots, and challenges arise and the climax kicks off, shortly followed by the resolution of the story.In the past, plays were structured with five acts, with two of the acts serving as long-form versions of the modern transitional elements of Pinch 1 and 2. These have faded, partially because audiences have adapted to storytelling tropes and don’t need them spelled out. Also, stage tech, at least in plays, has advanced, requiring less busy work on the fringes to enact scenery changes for the more crucial acts.Act 1 The SetupThe first act introduces the characters with some mild character development and sets up the conflict. Take Romeo and Juliet (a fine example because we can discuss both the play’s 5 act structure and the films 3 act version).The major players are all introdu ced in the first act and then attend a party. This gives us further information about each character in how they rep and participate in the party. We also see their conflicting social dynamics.We set up an additional set of character dynamics between Romeo vs Paris as parties interested in Juliet and Mercutio and Tybalt as loyal but antagonistic figures.Pinch 1 occurs at the end of the first act, introducing the conflict of the young couples’ love for each other. Act 2 The ConfrontationIn the play this is developed through the second act as the stakes for the lovers is spelled out. They marry in secret and that forms the end of the major plot point, the star-crossed lovers are not just passingly at odds with their society.Within the 3 act structure, this is a single plot point. We get that they love each other, and that love means marriage.Then, the middle act is the apprehension of their actions bringing about unintended, but not unforeseeable consequences.The second act is often the longest as it is the place where elements move and forces muster. Everyone has to get into further trouble, further develop their roles, and gain power toward a resolution.Act 2 ends shortly after a complication that brings the elements to a head. No longer able to maintain the secret, Romeo is confronted with a duel and his actions result in the death of his friend which then results in his banishment once he kills Tybalt.Act 3 The ResolutionAct 3 then begins with the fallout of these actions.With Romeo headed to banishment, Juliet seeks a drastic plan to keep him around. She fakes her death to bring out the true feelings of the interested parties.Since it is a tragedy, Romeo to get the clever reveal of the ruse and kills himself rather than being alone, though your story structure doesnt have to follow this specific tragic ending.Juliet then has to kill herself in turn and we end up with a high body count to bring the story to a close.Story Structure #2 Hero’s JourneyWhile the 3 Act structure works well for simple, straightforward stories, it doesn’t have the necessary oomph to underpin more nuanced tales.When the good guys and bad guys are less black and white, you need to reach for the ancient wheel that is the Hero’s Journey.The journey typically consists of 12 steps. It is the backbone of traditional storytelling, except it works and is a joy to take part in.Older versions of the structure had more steps, the Tarot stemmed from an early understanding of this story structure starting with the fool (our hero) and ending with the world (resolution or complete understanding).Here are the 12 steps of the heros journey:The Ordinary WorldCall to AdventureRefusing the CallMeeting a MentorCrossing the ThresholdTests, Allies, and EnemiesApproach the Innermost CircleThe OrdealSeizing the TalismanThe Road AheadResurrectionReturn with the ElixirThese steps explain, in detail, the trajectory of the story while leaving room to put in differing characters and pursuits of different ideals. While many contemporary stories still follow this structure, it is easiest to see it in the light of an epic.We’ll use Lord of the Rings as an example of this story structure. While the entire story follows the structure multiple times, we’ll stick to Frodo’s arc.Step 1 The Ordinary WorldThe Lord of the Rings story begins, rather appropriately, in the most banal land in Middle Earth. The Shire is a pure ordinary world where nothing too much happens, and everyone lives without any idea that better or worse things exist outside its borders. (Well, they have some idea, but go the cognitive dissonance route to ignore it.)Step 2 The Call to AdventureThe Call to Adventure comes when Gandalf shows up in search of the One Ring.He tells Frodo a quest needs to be taken up but doesn’t give the full details. T his bleeds into Refusing the Call as Frodo accepts part of the responsibility, without understanding the rest.Step 3 Refusing the CallRefusing the Call is about seeing what has to be done and deciding there has to be someone else.A good hero, like a proper Platonic philosopher-king, needs to reject the call first to be more worthy of it. Frodo will finish Refusing the Call later in Rivendell as he tries to bargain that others are more capable.Step 4 Meeting a MentorThough Gandalf served as a Mentor in The Hobbit, Aragorn (as Strider) is the Mentor here.Meeting him gets the four hobbits along the correct path and out of the shying away into the real journey. The Mentor often brings insight, training, or purpose to a hero.Step 5 Crossing the ThresholdCrossing the Threshold reflects the hero facing a challenge and realizing they can make a difference.For Frodo, this occurs twice, the first time as he faces the barrow wraiths and rescues his friends, the second is surviving the orc a ttack in Moria. Both thresholds show the power of gifts he received from Biblo but also hint at how friendship will play a role in his other tests.Step 6 Tests, Allies, and EnemiesTests, Allies, and Enemies is a larger middle section of the Hero’s Journey which winds through other elements.The gathering of the fellowship is a gaining of allies, their journey is a test, the fellowship mirrors the numbers of the enemy Ring Wraiths.This step might not necessarily be a solid, definable moment, but rather something that has been happening throughout the story until this point.Step 7 Approach the Innermost CircleApproach the Innermost Circle is a great danger, if not the greatest danger, a hero faces.Within Frodo’s journey, this is when he attempts to leave the rest of the group behind, going alone on the river because he fears what will happen if he keeps with the group.This moment in your story should be high tension, with consequences that impact the overall plot.Step 8 The OrdealThe Ordeal is what takes place inside the Innermost Circle.In the wastes of Mordor, Frodo must hold out against the weight of the One Ring. It is a prolonged Ordeal but well within the idea of the step.This is another step that can fall within a previous step.Step 9 Seizing the TalismanSeizing the Talisman is about gaining an object of power that will turn the tide for the hero.Tolkien has many of these for other characters, usually in the form of legendary or magical weapons they acquire. For Frodo, the specifics of the talisman are in his pity on Gollum.Step 10 The Road AheadThe Road Ahead takes the hero from the talisman to a final conflict.In this case, Frodo is betrayed by Gollum and nearly killed by Shelob, saved only by the friendship with Samwise.The consequences of Seizing the Talisman are usually a downward turn, comparable with Pinch 2 from the 3 Act structure.Step 11 ResurrectionResurrection often involves a person, or entity returning after being thought dead.Gandalf becomes the white, Luke comes back with a mechanical hand, Frodo fails to discard the ring and has to be attacked by Gollum.Frodo’s resurrection is being saved at the last moment by his previous good decisions, often a resurrection succeeds because of past decisions by a hero and rarely the actions they take in that moment.Step 12 Return with the ElixirFinally, the hero must Return with the Elixir, taking everything they have learned and accomplished back to the Ordinary World they once inhabited.Frodo and Sam arrive to take on Saruman, showing their knowledge and skill acquired through the Journey to return the land to peace.This is often the last chapter, showing your character/s returning to their life or beginning to create their new life.Story Structure #3 The 5 MilestonesIf the previous two structures seemed restrictive or overly elaborate (the Hero’s Journey is 12 freaken steps, after all) then the 5 Milestones structure is for you.This structure keeps it simple by focusing on five plot points, usually one or two scenes each, that create the scaffold of the story. These Milestones have to go in order, but the space between them can be adjusted quite a lot.Here are the 5 Milestones for this story structure:SetupInciting Incident1st Slap2nd SlapClimaxWe’ll use the Hunger Games to rundown this structure.Milestone 1 The SetupThe first Milestone works just like the 3 Act and the Ordinary World. It shouldn’t be surprising as beginnings all need to do the same thing.Collins sets her premise up by explaining the reason there are districts, why the Games exist, and introducing Katniss as the protagonist.We know, rather quickly, that the world is dystopian and unfair, and we know the main character has the skills to make an impact.Milestone 2 The Inciting IncidentThis leads to the Inciting Incident, the kickoff to the main plot and conflict in your novel.In this case, Katniss’ own sister is chosen to take part in the Games. A task she is not ready for and will likely not survive. Not only that, it will spell disaster for the rest of the District if or when she fails.That spec ific moment is the inciting incident because it leads to Katnisss next decision, which kicks off the entire point of the book: Katniss volunteers to be the tribute.This sets the rest of the plot in motion while also anchoring the reader to the motives of the hero.Milestone 3 The 1st SlapThe 1st Slap, much like Pinch 1, sets the stakes and introduces the larger plot.The Inciting Incident is often character motivating and motivated. The 1st Slap is usually external, a factor within the world that must be overcome. The opening of the Games sets the stakes and shows the danger Katniss will face. This parallels Crossing the Threshold in the Heros Journey story structure, where first blood is drawn and the hero, as well as the reader, see the reality of the dangers.Rather than simply being told â€Å"there be dragons†, they see one firsthand.The 1st Slap also makes good on the promise of adventure by putting the hero into the middle of a peril that they must escape. There is no tu rning back, only moving forward.Milestone 4 The 2nd SlapThis takes us into the 2nd Slap. Here, we see things get worse like a Pinch 2, but we see the hope on the horizon.We know the Talisman, as seen in the Heros Journey story structure, is out there to be seized.In The Hunger Games, this is seen by Katniss working out a plan to fake a relationship with Peta to get support from the outside; a means of survival. She needs to keep him alive for his sake, and for hers. He is dying from an infection and she is told there will be an item she needs at the feast.The feast is a huge risk, but it offers hope. She must take the chance. Things go badly, of course, and the hope teeters her on ruin.Milestone 5 The ClimaxAll of this creates the landscape for the final Milestone: The Climax.With the Games coming down to just Peta or Katniss, we go back to the events of the Inciting Incident and loop that motivation into how the hero wins.Frodo helped Gollum, who saves him in return (not out of g ood intent, but it gets us there). Katniss has a need to protect others, all her actions follow that desire.She sees a way to save Peta by threatening herself. This kind of character-driven resolution makes for a rewarding story and makes it easy to weave the details of your final victory throughout.Your readers stay looped into the triumph because they root for the character because they like them, not because the plot says that they win.The secret to making a story kickass is to make it come from within. A good reader can smell a set up a mile away. A good reader also loves to see a Milestone achieved.There you have it, three ways to get a story from ‘In the Beginning’ to ‘The End’ that will keep you focused and organized. The reader will know what you’re doing, following along through the peaks and valleys, the twists and turns, confident that your roadmap will lead somewhere promising.Start Your Story Off Right TODAYIf you have a writing prompt o r story idea and youre ready to write your book, dont do it alone.Check out this free training to help you go from idea, to outline, to finished book.

Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 15

Political Science - Essay Example Islamic countries always delays behind this, because most of the terrorist attacks in the World are linked with Islam. Hosni Mubarak (the Egyptian president). Protests in Cairo’s Tahrir alarms Mubarak to quit the office in January 25th, though Mubarak stepped down in February 2011 and a military body formed (pg,87). .After Mubarak’s resignation women filled only two percent of the parliamentary seats which was fewer as compared to the Hosni Mubarak’s reign in the office. After Mubarak was driven from the office women in Cairo complained of the taken freedom since they were harassed sexually by the Cairo men (pg, 359). Is a multinational Islamic political association initiated in Egypt 1928 and is considered a terrorist group by the Egyptians and Russian governments. A rebellion by the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood counter to President Hafez al –Assad’s rule in 1982 led to death of thousands of people, the actions were the finale of clashes amongst the Syrian rule and the Muslim Brotherhood that initiated in March 1979 with an attack against the military institute in the northern city of Aleppo. This lasted Syrian armies over three weeks to outdo the Muslim Brotherhood (pg, 34). Mohammed Morsi was a leader of the once banned Muslim Brotherhood and elected Egypt’s president in June 2012 until July 2013, after he was taken out of office by field Marshal Al-Sisi during the Egyptian revolution. He was disapproved by the freedom house for the discharge of the lower house. Anwar Sadat succeeded Nasser in 1970 and became Egypt’s third president until his assassination by fundamentalist army colonels in 1981, he reinstituted a multiparty organization and relocated away from Nasser’s Arab social democracy (pg, 91). Developing states have involved democracy and commercial reforms which encompassed oil exportation, where ten oil exporting nations have their markets and politics influenced

Discuss in DETAIL six Cognitive distortions Essay - 1

Discuss in DETAIL six Cognitive distortions - Essay Example The behaviour of the mentally ill patient is observed and studied to probe into their situation and suggest treatment. According to (Sharf ,2012,pg.8)â€Å" Belief system and thinking are seen as important in determining and affecting behaviour and feelings† Another technique which is the environmental approach, the environmental stressors which cause the psychological problem is investigated. In this case, the environment can be a stimuli for depression or other anxiety problem in a person. In biological technique is the emotion, language, memory, attention, and perception of the patient is understood to identify their psychological functioning. Here the anatomy of the brain is studied to understand the underlying cause of the problem .often the person is analysed for their chemical dependency to get an actual picture of the patient’s condition. The other technique is the supportive method which is crucial technique cognitive therapy. Despite the effectiveness of the cognitive therapy technique, it is necessary to include a supporting factor in the treatment process to make the patient comfortable and

Wage differences in Urban Informal Sector of China Essay

Wage differences in Urban Informal Sector of China - Essay Example Though the study of migration is not new in economics, the study considered in this context is important due to the wage differences between urban and rural areas and the informal sector of the urban areas. In this study of migration of China, the household was recognised regarding migration. Instead of number of people migrated to urban areas, the households migrated are been registered in China. Out of urban-urban, rural -rural migrations, the rural -urban migration exposed the wage differences issue. 1 The migration from rural to urban is so much important as it was assumed that the hukou system of 1950s was proposed to tie the farmers to the land. This is for supplying low cost agricultural products to the industrial sector. This restricted the mobility of the people during the great famine during s1960s. The farmers depended on collective farming and the opportunity cost for migration was very high. The migration was made easy and speeded up when china started economic reforms in 1978. 2 The urban informal sector of developing countries like China absorbs who cannot find productive employment. If this point is ignored, it can be stated that it will contribute to employment and income generation. The legal status of the activities of the companies in the informal sector will fall outside the reach of the government regulations. This is due to the size of the companies having less than 10 employees and usage of simple and traditional technology. In China the government is limited to administrative resources tend to focus on large scale operations. The minimum wage legislation is enforced only in large scale establishments and informal sector was out of the reach of that legislation. One more reason for non implementation is that the companies seize to exist when the legislation is implemented. This needs the study of the determinants of employment in the urban informal sector in China. The size of the labour force of urban informal sector is due to the interactions wi thin the economy as a whole. The absorption capacity rural areas regarding labour decides the migration and wage differences in the system. Though the urban informal sector is less in wages than the formal sector, the migration continues due to the still lesser wages in the rural areas. The urban informal sector absorbs very poor people as labour. As the sector provides income continuously without security, the poor and semi qualified people are absorbed by this sector. Particularly unskilled labour are employed and their lack of skills result in lower wages. 4. Effects of Informal Sector In the globalisation and economic reforms period the countries like china are catching up the opportunities of trade and development. International specialisation has become more effective during the period of specialisation and the liberalisation resulted in lowering the transport costs. The informal sectors discussed the macroeconomic role of labour reallocation. This analysed the effects of economic growth, production and trade patterns. This included the analysis of wages and there existed a substantial difference between the wages of formal and informal sectors. This resulted in the differences in the effects of formal and informal sectors on macro economic effects. The simulation regarding the allocation of workers, has put them across low and

The continued discrimination against homosexuals

The continued discrimination against homosexuals Homosexuality is very common in society. However many individuals still discriminate against them. Their prejudgments are based on stereotypes, and lack of information. Due to our social perception, people who are different from them is deem to be threatening. In this report, discrimination against homosexuals will be discussed, with facts, different supporting examples and cases from Singapore and the United States, with Singapore being the more traditionally conservative one. Ways to reduce discriminations against them is also mentioned and explored. The issue and who are involved? We can fall in love, but why cant they? Homosexuality is romantic and/or sexual attraction or behavior among members of the same sex or gender, making up around 10% of the population. Sadly, they continue to be one of the least protected by the government and discriminated against by the society. Homosexuality was categorized as a mental disorder until 1973. The words gay and lesbian are used to refer to homosexual men and women and bisexual refers to those that are attracted to both men and women. Brief History on Homosexuals in Singapore In 1960s, Homosexuality was categorized as a condition in a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Before enlistment, all enlistees would undergo a medical checkup and asked to declare their homosexuality status. Those declared will be downgraded to a Public Employment Status of 3 and were assigned to be clerks. In 1998, Senior Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew , live on CNN International, said, what we are doing as a government is to leave people to live their own lives so long as they dont impinge on other people. I mean, we dont harass anybody. these words helped set the tenor for official policy on homosexuality for many years. His comments is said to be one of the most significant events relating to gay rights. Before 2003, homosexuals were forbidden from being employed in sensitive positions in the Singapore Civil Service. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong abolished this in a widely publicized statement. In 2006, Liberty League, an organization that promotes gender and sexual health for the individual, family and society, was granted $100,000. Brief History on Homosexuals in the US After W.W.11, thousands of homosexuals were dishonorably fired from the armed services and jobs, due to public display of homosexuality, and were ostracized from families and communities. In early 1953, homosexuality became by a necessary and sufficient reason fire any federal employee from ones job. In the 1970s, in some cities, anti- discrimination for homosexual laws was placed. California had its first openly gay elected official; Harvey Milk. Compared to Singapore, the US has a richer and more open homosexuality culture. In recent years, the US has slowly begun acceptance for homosexuality. Several television programs with elements of homosexuality, Will and Grace, Glee, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Greys Anatomy were aired. As the popularity of these shows increases, the gay community is closer to acceptance and justice by the society. They have gay pride parades and homosexual marriages supported by many areas of US, unlike Singapore. Discrimination against Homosexuals With the laws placed and the better recognition of the homosexual community, the situation in both countries seems favorable. However, homosexuals still face rampant stereotypes from the world and may worsen if deeper understanding of homosexuals is not being promoted and measures are not taken. This topic has been chosen because this is a very important issue in this society, and feels that they should have the same rights as heterosexuals. There have been many incidents of bullying and victimizing homosexuals that led to deaths in the US. Many have gone into depression. These should not be tolerated and something has to be done. Homosexuals do not come out for many reasons, the most common being that they are uncomfortable to declare to any society that is perceived to be homophobic. Negative stereotyping is often a result of homophobia, which refers to an irrational fear, prejudice or discrimination towards homosexuals, and can be name-calling and teasing to serious crimes like assault and murder. Positive stereotypes, or counter-types, also exist but may be no less harmful, as they are still oversimplified views of the group being stereotyped. Some examples of the common stereotypes that gays are described to be expressing too much of his feelings, very vulnerable and sensitive, likes touching himself and other people. They are also stereotyped to love talking about feminine things; the use of cosmetics, very concerned with their lips, skin and hair protections. Why this prejudice and discrimination affect society and is important. Current situation in Singapore Although being homosexual in Singapore is not illegal, performing any homosexual acts in public or privately, is. Section 377 of the Singapore Penal Code records the penalty for indecency between individuals which includes consensual, private, adult homosexual acts; imprisonment is up to 2 years. A gay group was denied permission to hold a forum on the role of homosexuals in society. The local media avoids homosexual issues in fear of getting their licenses suspended. In schools, sexuality courses focus more on heterosexuality-the only mention of homosexuality reminds students that it is illegal. Moreover, homosexual couples in Singapore, cannot rightfully own a home through the public housing scheme, thus many rent as private housing is unaffordable to them. Unsurprisingly, this shows that Singaporean society remains deeply conservative and the governments are still not as open to discussions about gay rights. Attitudes towards homosexuality are also tied up closely with the different religious values in this multi-racial society, like Muslims and Christianity which considers it as a sin. In Singapore, the government uses Confucian readings to create a certain amount of ideological coherence in its version of Asian Values and to give it some academic respectability. From an interview, 68.6% of the surveyors expressed negative attitudes towards homosexuality. Christians and Muslims were found to be least tolerant, older people are less tolerant and more educated people are more tolerant. Therefore, Singapore who is a traditionally conservative society may not be ready for a change. Current situation in United States Recently, there have been many news on homosexual bullying leading to suicides, for example , Tyler Clementi, a 19 year old student from Rutgers University. After his college roommate lived-streamed Tyler having sexual relations with his boyfriend, Tyler threw himself off a bridge. Asher Brown was a 13-year-old was tormented for the way he dressed and being gay. His bullies acted out mock gay sex acts in classes. His parents repeatedly contacted school officials on his bullying. Nothing was ever done. He shot himself in the head. Policy on lesbian, gay, bisexual, in US has evolved over time and varies between different regions. Five states and one district have legalized same-sex marriage. President Obama announced that he will work with Congress and the military to repeal the dont ask, dont tell policy that forbids homosexuals from openly serving in the military. However, there is still much opposition, commenting that homosexuals identities should not be made known. However, there have been many interviews and surveys that show that the US is slowly accepting homosexuals. For example the graph below shows that attitudes towards homosexuality in the US, over the years seem more positive. Source: http://www.norc.org/GSS+Website/Browse+GSS+Variables/Subject+Index/ Why is it important? A continuation of homosexual discrimination is detrimental to their mental health, which may increase suicidal tendencies or other mental afflictions. There are many websites contending that homosexuality is a sin, stating that it is entirely up to choice, easily changeable, and giving excuses to put down homosexuals, using reasons like God hates fags. People tend to associate HIV and AIDS as a gay related disease, thinking that as long as they avoid having sex with homosexuals, they are safe from HIV. This ignorance can cause them to practice unsafe sexual intercourse. Stereotyping them to be rapist, pedophiles are very common and these send a wrong message to the public, causing fear. This increases the fear in homosexuals for being discovered to be gay, causing them to feel immense stress and pressure, doubling the chance of depression and suicidal tendencies. The rejection and misinformation results in homophobia causing them to bully other people , verbal assaults, causing other people psychological stress and pain. Homosexuals may also face family and friends rejections. The result is a vicious cycle of prejudice and discrimination. Where can we start to fix the problem? How such prejudice and discrimination creates inequality to the society. The law, sec 377a, criminalizing sexual acts between homosexuals, encourages Singaporeans discriminate against homosexuals indirectly. Other countries have accepted same sex marriage and have laws to protect them. Homosexuals should also have the same benefits as heterosexuals. In Singapore, some teachers were being forced to quit because of their sexuality like Otto Fong, and Alfian Saat. In national service, they are downgraded to positions like clerks, and disqualified from some sensitive areas. All these are deemed to be discrimination and homosexual inequality. Workable solutions for individuals and institutions From what I have found out, these prejudice and discriminations comes from ignorance and misinformation. Unbiased sex education can help to change mindsets of people about homosexuality at large. Singaporeans are consistently taught that sexual acts between homosexuals are illegal but do not talk about why and how we should learn to accept them in our society. This is an important issue, thus this topic should be in Civic Moral Education where students can learn about it. The society can also educate homosexuality in the media, television shows, or host public homosexuality talks and events. For example, in the US, they have a Wear a Purple Shirt Day in honor of homosexuals that committed suicides due to bullying. We as individuals have to learn not to stereotype and listen to peoples misconceptions, but taking initiative to learn more about homosexuality from places like, internet and books. We are more than capable of making our own decisions, and more than capable of being accepting and inclusive. We should create an environment of diversity and acceptance for both heterosexuals and homosexuals. http://socyberty.com/issues/prejudice-and-discrimination-on-homosexuality-in-singapore/#ixzz174Rz1JxF http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_gay_history:_2000_to_2009_A.D. http://www.sgwiki.com/wiki/Singapore_gay_history http://knol.google.com/k/discrimination-against-homosexuals-in-singapore# http://www.norc.org/GSS+Website/Browse+GSS+Variables/Subject+Index/ http://articles.cnn.com/2010-01-27/politics/obama.gays.military_1_repeal-policy-that-bars-gays-servicemembers-legal-defense-network?_s=PM:POLITICS http://filipspagnoli.wordpress.com/stats-on-human-rights/statistics-on-discrimination/statistics-on-discrimination-of-homosexuals/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_the_United_States

Anti-bullying Policies Essay -- Social Issues, Bullies

According to the work of psychologist David Smith, 57 percent of anti-bullying policies did nothing, 14 percent helped slightly, and 29 percent even made the problem worse (Smith, Schneider, Smith, and Ananiadou 547-560). Every day we see news of â€Å"innocent teasing† escalating into death threatening violence. Yet each day, year after year schools are using the same old methods, attempting to solve this very big problem with little temporary solutions. It is no secret that the bullying problem is not being handled correctly by American schools. The number one problem with America’s â€Å"anti-bullying programs† is that schools are helping the wrong person. The programs focus on helping bullies, mediating bullies, changing bullies. Bullies are not the ones who need help, bullies are not the ones getting hurt, victims are the ones who need help. Bullying will never stop, â€Å"it’s inevitable, a natural byproduct of human nature†(Morgan 1). Even if all bullies were eliminated new bullies would arise because it is all about the imbalance of power. Verbal bullying is not even against the law, in fact it is protected by the first amendment, freedom of speech. In this conundrum yet to be solved victims are the ones killing themselves. Victims are the ones bringing guns into schools and shooting people. Victims need to be taught to stand up for themselves. The only way bullying is going to stop is if we remove its power by teaching victims and leveling the playing field. The idea that American schools often fail to realize is that bullying is almost never just between two kids. There are often a pack of bullies or even more common bystanders that encourage and â€Å"add fuel to the fire.† In one study results, â€Å"showed that bystanders were involved in... ...chers have heavier workloads or have less support by their administrators they are usually less empathetic to victims. Now not only are teachers connected to bullying incidents but so are administrators. If we want to help bullying victims we must inspect every aspect of the problem. With school shootings and constant outbreaks of bullying in the media it is obvious that American schools are not approaching the bullying problem correctly. However there is hope for a brighter future. When going up against bullying we can not just concentrate on one piece of the puzzle. We have to mediate not only the bullies, but the victims, and any other factors contributing to the problem. If American schools reevaluate their programs, shift their focus towards changing old mindsets placed upon us at a young age, and look at the bigger picture, than we truly can be united as one.